Orlando Mock Draft Roundup: Nearing the end

Chris Stone, FanSided

6th Pick: Jayson Tatum, F/Duke

Stone’s approach in his mock draft is to take the best player — the A grade — for every team at their pick. So he goes with Tatum over Jonathan Isaac with the sixth pick.

It is hard to argue Tatum would not be a great snag for the Magic. He is a strong isolation scorer and an improving 3-point shooter. He would be the go-to offensive option the Magic have needed desperately for so long.

Stone believes this is the right pick for the Magic, writing:

"Tatum is a 6-foot-8 wing with an excellent ability to create his own shot out of mid-post isolations. While that style is fading out of the game, the ability to score late in games out of those positions is critical. Tatum is a tough shot maker with fantastic footwork in those spots. His ability to get to the rim may be more limited in the NBA than in college given his lack of explosiveness, but his craft should improve with additional practice."

Stone notes the Magic would likely prefer to have one of the top four point guard options. But that was not in the cards with how things shook out. With that, a shot maker and scorer like Tatum is the top prize — especially considering he pairs better with Aaron Gordon than anyone else.

25th Pick: Sindarius Thornwell, G/South Carolina

With the second pick, Stone goes with Sindarius Thornwell.

Thornwell has not shown up on a ton of mock drafts and is widely considered a solid second round pick. But some of that may have to do with his age. As a senior, some of his skills are a bit devalued.

Thornwell put up stellar scoring numbers for the South Carolina Gamecocks last year, jumping from around 13 points per game to 21 points per game and the SEC Player of the Year. Thornwell is a strong driver and attacker of the basket. But his 3-point shot needs work.

The reason Stone likes Thornwell for the Magic is his versatility on the wing, ability to contribute quickly and his defensive prowess.